Victoria Royals Alumnus Matthew Phillips Finally Makes NHL Debut with Washington Capitals
After years of anticipation and hard work, Matthew Phillips, a former player for the Victoria Royals in the Western Hockey League (WHL), has finally made his debut in the National Hockey League (NHL) with the Washington Capitals. Phillips, who stands at five-foot-seven and weighs 140 pounds, is known for his elusive and skillful playing style on AHL rinks.
Among the 117 WHL graduates on NHL opening-day rosters, Phillips is the only alumnus from the Victoria Royals. What makes this achievement even more special is that the person who named Phillips to the Capitals’ roster is Spencer Carbery, a rookie head coach for the team and also a Victoria native.
During his time with the Royals from 2015 to 2018, Phillips had an exceptional career, tallying an impressive 281 points in 215 regular-season games and 30 points in 30 playoff games. Despite doubts about his pro prospects due to his small frame, the Calgary Flames drafted Phillips in the sixth round of the 2016 NHL draft. Although he spent most of his time with the Flames’ affiliate teams in California and Calgary, Phillips showcased his talent by accumulating 313 points in the AHL over six seasons.
Now, under the mentorship of coach Carbery, Phillips has been given the opportunity to prove himself in the NHL. During the preseason, he impressed with a goal and three points in five exhibition games, catching the attention of his teammates and veterans on the Capitals’ roster. Washington captain Alex Ovechkin commended Phillips for his hard work and ability to make plays despite his size, while forward T.J. Oshie praised his intelligence and knack for creating space on the ice.
With the Capitals’ season officially starting on Friday against the Pittsburgh Penguins, Phillips is eager to make the most of his potential big break. It is a culmination of years of dedication and persistence for the 25-year-old winger, who expressed his gratitude for the trust placed in him by the team.
Phillips’ inclusion in the Capitals’ roster highlights the presence of WHL graduates across the NHL, with at least one alumnus from the league on 31 out of 32 teams. Leading the pack are the Kelowna Rockets with 14 former players in NHL rosters, followed by the Portland Winterhawks and Red Deer Rebels.
Additionally, the WHL has contributed to the talent pool of other teams, including the Dallas Stars with former Rockets forward Jamie Benn as their captain, the Nashville Predators with former Rockets defenseman Tyson Barrie, the Las Vegas Golden Knights with former Winterhawks goaltender Adin Hill, and the Winnipeg Jets with former Edmonton Oil Kings goaltender Laurent Brossoit, who hails from Port Alberni.
The WHL is not the only league making an impact in the NHL, as 19 former players from the British Columbia Hockey League (BCHL) have also found spots on opening-day NHL rosters. Notable names include former Victoria Grizzlies player Jamie Benn with the Dallas Stars, Alex Newhook with the Montreal Canadiens, and former Cowichan Valley Capitals netminder Laurent Brossoit with the Winnipeg Jets.
As NHL fans eagerly anticipate the start of the season, the success of players like Matthew Phillips serves as a reminder of the talent and dedication found in leagues like the WHL and BCHL. These players have worked hard to earn their place in the elite ranks of the NHL, and their accomplishments inspire the next generation of aspiring hockey stars.
